Airport Noise and Health Problems

by | Blog

With airports multiplying and expanding, the International Civil Aviation Organization estimates that the number of take-offs and landings will double over the next 20 years. While previous research has demonstrated that exposure to aircraft noise on a regular basis is linked with sleep disturbances, breathing problems during the night, and nervousness, a new study has uncovered an association between long-term aircraft noise and hypertension. Researchers found that those living closest to airports, where they regularly experienced aircraft sounds of 60 decibels or more, had almost twice the incidence of hypertension as those living in quieter areas (40% versus 24%). Airport noise was also linked to heart changes (aortic stiffness and higher ventricular mass) that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Studies have also linked exposure to aircraft noise with learning deficits. They have found that young school-age children who are chronically exposed to aircraft noise had poorer reading skills than children attending school in quieter neighborhoods. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. Our goal is to provide you with everything you need to know to make the right decisions for your hearing health. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.

P.S. Airport noise may lead to higher blood pressure due to the release of stress hormones that naturally raise blood pressure